US toy store Toys 'R' Us had been criticized for selling range including figure of a drug-dealer holding tiny rocks of crystal meth.

The American toy shop Toys “R” Us appears to have quietly withdrawn a range of drug dealer dolls based on the television series Breaking Bad after facing criticism from parents. Although a spokesman for the retail giant had defended the collection as recently as yesterday, the models are no longer available online. The range includes an action figure clutching a bag of cash and blue rocks of the drug crystal meth.

An online search for the dolls, which were selling for $17.99 (£11.16), is met with the response: “Your search for 'breaking bad action figure' returned 0 results." A day earlier the page had displayed two figures in Hazmat protective suits, and one model clutching a gun, money and drugs.

Breaking Bad is based on the character of high school chemistry teacher Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston, who goes into business with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, portrayed by Aaron Paul, producing and selling crystal meth in order to make money for his family before he dies from terminal cancer.

Cranston himself had tweeted a repost to the petition, organised by mother Susan Schrivjer, from Fort Myers, Florida.

The petition on the website Change.org, called "Remove Breaking Bad dolls from their shelves", now has more than 7,200 signatures. It says: “Toys "R" Us is well known around the world for their vast selection of toys for children of all ages. However their decision to sell a Breaking Bad doll, complete with a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth, alongside children’s toys is a dangerous deviation from their family friendly values. “That’s why I’m calling on Toys "R" Us to immediately stop selling the Breaking Bad doll collection in their stores and on their website.”

Toys R Us did not comment to The Telegraph. A spokesman told NBC News earlier in the week: "The product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up. The toys are located in the adult action figure area of our stores."